Allahabad HC Bar Association Opposes Appointment of Delhi Lawyers as Judges

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has raised strong objections against the appointment of Delhi-based lawyers as judges of the Allahabad High Court. In a letter addressed to the President of India, the Association questioned the growing trend of elevating advocates practising outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

The Association stated that several advocates practising in Delhi have been appointed as judges of the Allahabad High Court in recent years. While acknowledging that such appointments were made earlier as well, it argued that the practice should not continue in the future.

According to the Bar Association, the collegium does not disclose the material or criteria used to assess advocates practising in Delhi for elevation to the Allahabad High Court. It stated that many such lawyers do not have regular appearances or filing records before the High Court at Allahabad.

The letter also claimed that advocates practising regularly before the Allahabad High Court are often ignored during the selection process. The Association alleged that lawyers who are not considered suitable for elevation in the courts where they primarily practise are being appointed to the Allahabad High Court instead.

In the communication, the Association expressed concern that the process creates doubts regarding transparency and fairness. It stated that such appointments give rise to perceptions of nepotism and favouritism within the collegium system.

The Bar Association further remarked that the collegium system was originally designed to ensure appointment of the most deserving and meritorious candidates while maintaining judicial independence. However, it alleged that certain appointment decisions have weakened public confidence due to a lack of transparency.

The letter criticised what it described as an “opaque system” of judicial appointments. It stated that the functioning of the collegium is now being subjected to closer public scrutiny because of decisions that appear difficult to justify objectively.

The Association also argued that while considering candidates for elevation to the Allahabad High Court, importance should be given to an advocate’s filing history, courtroom arguments, and regular practice before the High Court itself.

Another concern raised was that advocates appointed from Delhi may not be familiar with the traditions and functioning of the Allahabad High Court. The letter stated that such judges often seek transfers to other High Courts where they have personal or professional roots.

The Bar Association concluded by urging the President to consider its grievances before any future appointments are made to the Allahabad High Court. The issue once again brings attention to ongoing debates surrounding transparency and regional representation in judicial appointments across the country.